An Angus care home has been ordered to improve infection control methods after an inspection found “significant risks”.
Abbey House on the outskirts of Kirriemuir, which has had no Covid-19 cases, was branded weak for both coronavirus safeguarding and infection control, following an unannounced visit by the Care Inspectorate.
A report following the July 23 inspection said staff had not completed Covid-19 training and their understanding of infection control in relation to the virus was “insufficient”.
Inspectors also found the home’s laundry area was not up to standard and waste was disposed of unsafely.
The report said: “When we spoke with staff they were able to tell us some of the detail of Covid-19 guidance, what action they would take to protect people should they display symptoms.
“However we found that their knowledge and understanding around principles and practice of infection control was insufficient.
“For example, we saw that they did not always change gloves and aprons between care tasks and touched and adjusted face masks frequently.
“We were very concerned to see that staff had not completed relevant training on infection prevention and control procedure specific to Covid-19.
“As a result, people may be being put at significant risk of infection.
“The laundry area and equipment did not meet the standards required for safe management of infection prevention and control and there was no safe system in place for management of waste.”
Employees at the 15-bed home, run by Abbey Care Services, were praised for helping residents stay in touch with relatives during restricted visiting but concerns were raised that there was lack of social engagement due to staffing levels.
The report said: “There was no structured plan for activity in place.
“We saw that people were sitting for long periods of time in the lounge area or in their bedroom without interaction, as staff were busy supporting other people with personal care.
“Therefore, people appeared disengaged which could lead to an increased risk of experiencing poor physical and mental health.
“While we saw that staffing arrangements were reviewed regularly to respond to people’s needs and that the staff team were dedicated and flexible to support the service in response to an increased workload resulting from Covid-19, we saw that some areas of care, such as social engagement had been difficult to maintain.
“As a result, while it was positive that people were supported by a consistent staff team, they were insufficient in number to deliver a complete package of support.”
Inspectors outlined improvement requirements, to be carried out by the end of this month.
They include creating an environmental improvement plan and quality assurance, as well as ensuring a safe system for waste and laundry management.
Staff must also be trained and assessed in the prevention and management of a coronavirus outbreak.
A suggested area of improvement, but not requirement, suggested a structured system to provide social and recreational activities for residents.
A spokeswoman for Abbey Care Services stressed the home has not suffered any cases of coronavirus and changes have been made following the inspection.
She said: “Having already put in place changes to our laundry room and our procedure for processing laundry to bring the service in line with the requirements, the home continues to be Covid-free, despite the challenges experienced and the sacrifices made by both staff and residents.
“Continuous improvement remains a critical and important focus for the home to ensure the best care is provided to those living here.
“However, due to the additional restrictions placed on us during the lockdown, it has been increasingly challenging to maintain the same level of activities.
“Staff remain committed to ensuring residents wellbeing remains a key priority and I will ensure they continue to take a person-centered approach to improving activity planning in the home and look at options to expand the current activities available to residents.”
